Hearing moved after threats

Police say they fear gang violence against 2004 slaying suspects.

September 20, 2006|By Pamela Lehman Of The Morning Call

A hearing for two men charged in a 2004 homicide Bethlehem police believe was the citys first gang-related slaying was moved to the Northampton County Courthouse on Tuesday because of death threats from fellow gang members, police said.

Then in an Easton courtroom, Carl Lassiter, 24, and Oscar Hernandez Jr., 25, gave up their right to a preliminary hearing. They now face trial on charges of homicide and conspiracy in the death of Eugene G. Martinez Jr., 32, who was shot in the head and leg.

Lassiter, Hernandez and witnesses in the case have received death threats from gang members, Bethlehem police Detective Mark DiLuzio said. Hernandez is a member of the Latin Kings and Lassiter belongs to the Bloods, police said.

Police were concerned about security for Tuesdays hearing, which was originally scheduled for District Judge Elizabeth Romigs office in Bethlehem.

You have two members of gangs at a hearing and both of them have received numerous threats to harm them, DiLuzio said. Security is certainly a concern we had.

Romig had requested a metal detector to scan people coming to the hearing, Bethlehem Police Commissioner Randy Miller said. Police also asked members of the sheriffs department to help provide security at the hearing, he said.

At one point, sheriffs asked why we werent just having the hearing at the courthouse, and I said I wasnt sure why, Miller said.

He said members of the sheriffs department asked President Judge Robert A. Freedberg to move the hearing to county court and the judge agreed.

Outside the courtroom, deputy sheriffs had visitors pass through a metal detector and searched bags and purses. Two of Hernandezs family members attended the hearing. One woman blew a kiss as Hernandez passed. Both declined to comment.

Hernandez was in state prison in Fayette County on a parole violation stemming from a robbery case. Lassiter, formerly of 1303 Fritz Drive, Bethlehem, was in Northampton County Prison on felony drug charges.

Earlier this month, Lassiter told prison officials he was injured when he fell out of bed. He was treated at St. Lukes Hospital-Fountain Hill. Prison officials would not talk about his injuries but said they dont believe he was hurt falling out of bed. DiLuzio said police are still investigating what happened.

In January, Neftali Colon, 20, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit homicide in Martinezs death and was sentenced to 10 to 30 years in state prison.

Police said someone in the New York branch of the Latin Kings ordered that Martinez, of Bethlehem, be killed for showing disrespect. Along with Hernandez, Colon was a member of the Latin Kings, police said.

On Jan. 10, 2004, the men were at a club in Allentown when Martinez got into a fight and got kicked out. He left in a car with Colon, Hernandez and Lassiter. They drove to Fire Lane Road near Saucon Park.

As they got out of the car, Martinez probably knew he was about to be killed, police said. He pointed at his forehead and told Colon, Go ahead, the fires are burning, and was shot in the head.